Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM Hands-on Review
Summary Verdict
The Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM lens is an exciting addition to the G Master range. It brings together a wide aperture, an unusual but versatile focal length range and the promise of top-tier optics. Although it’s early days, the lens seems designed to appeal to professional and enthusiast photographers who want speed, flexibility and reliable performance. This is particularly true for those working with fast-moving subjects or in low light. Its lighter weight compared to the 70-200mm GM and internal zoom construction make it an attractive option for handheld use, especially for portrait and event photography. However, it is a beefy optic.
Score: TBC
For
• Constant f/2.0 aperture throughout the zoom range
• Internal zooming
• Professional-grade optical design
Against
• At 1340g, it’s heavier than some competing lenses
• No lens-based image stabilisation
• Premium price
What is the Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM?
The Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM is a full-frame zoom lens designed for Sony’s E-mount mirrorless cameras. It features a fast constant f/2.0 maximum aperture and covers a mid-telephoto range that is well suited for portraits, weddings and other event photography. As a member of the G Master line, the lens is intended to deliver excellent image quality and dependable performance in a range of shooting situations.
The lens complements the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM, which was announced on 19th November 2024. That lens is Sony’s first standard zoom with a constant f/2 aperture, and although there is some overlap in the focal lengths, the 50-150mm F2 GM extends the reach further. This makes them an attractive pairing for photographers who value consistency in aperture and optical quality across a versatile focal length range.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM Price and Availability
The Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM was announced on April 22, 2025, with availability expected in early June. Its price is £3,800 / €4,400 / US $3,899.99
The Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM with its lens hood ready for action on the Sony A9 III.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM Specification
Lens type: Telephoto zoom
Announced: 22nd April 2025
Format: Full-frame
Lens mount: Sony FE
Construction: Includes two XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements, two standard aspherical elements, two Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and three ED elements
Maximum aperture: f/2
Minimum aperture: f/22
Number of aperture blades: TBC
Minimum focusing distance: 40cm (1.32 ft) at 50mm, 74cm (2.43 ft) at 150mm
Maximum magnification ratio: TBC
Filter size: 95mm
Dimensions (D x L): TBC
Weight: 1340g / 47.3 oz
Key Features
The optical design of the Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM includes two XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements, two standard aspherical elements, two Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and three ED elements. This construction is aimed at suppressing chromatic and spherical aberrations while maintaining sharpness and contrast across the frame. Sony’s Nano AR Coating II has been applied to reduce flare and ghosting in difficult lighting conditions.
The lens’s autofocus is powered by dual XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors and a floating focus mechanism. This setup enables fast, precise and quiet focusing, which is particularly useful when photographing moving subjects or capturing video. Ot certainly impressed during my early testing.
It also features Linear Response MF (manual focus) for a more intuitive and accurate manual focusing experience. An aperture ring is included, with a click and declick switch. Additional touches include three customisable focus hold buttons and an internal zoom mechanism.l.
The Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM seen here with its hood in the reverse position for transport and mounted on the Sony A9 III.
Build and Handling
The Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM weighs 1340g, which is lighter than the original 70-200mm f/2.8 GM lens. It’s weighty in your hands, but not excessively so, and I was happy to shoot with it handheld for about half an hour during the press briefing.
Its internal zoom design helps maintain the same length during use, which is useful when balancing the lens on a gimbal. The lack of rotation during zooming also means there’s no problem if you’re using a polarising filter.
The barrel is dust and moisture-resistant, helping to protect it in less than ideal weather. The physical controls feel refined, with smooth action on the zoom and focus rings. The inclusion of an aperture ring with a click/declick feature is likely to appeal to video users in particular.
The Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM has a broad zoom ring alongside the aperture righ which has a switch to engage or disengage the ‘click’ as it rotates.
Performance
I’ve had the opportunity to shoot with the Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM mounted on the 24.6MP Sony A9 III. While this sensor doesn’t push the lens’s resolving power to its absolute limits, it does offer a good chance to assess it responsiveness and autofocus speed. The lens performs very well in this regard. It is fully compatible with the camera’s eye detection autofocus system, and I find the autofocus to be quick and decisive, especially when tracking moving subjects.
The bokeh, or quality of the out-of-focus areas, looks beautiful at most focal lengths, with a pleasing softness that complements the sharpness of in-focus details. However, I’ve noticed that small highlights tend to take on a cat’s eye shape towards the edges of the frame at the longer end of the zoom range. I’ll investigate this further, along with other aspects of the lens’s performance, when I receive a sample of the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM for our full review.
The lens barrel has three customisable focus hold buttons and switches to set the focusing mechanism.
Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM Sample Images
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. While the A9 III isn’t Sony’s highest-resolution camera, there’s plenty of detail visible in the fine texture of the model’s skin.
Camera: Sony A9 III, Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM at 150mm, F/2, 1/200 Sec and ISO 250.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson. The bright highlights towards the edge of the frame show some (not uncommon) cat's-eye distortion when shooting with the aperture wide open.
Camera: Sony A9 III, Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM at 113mm, F/2, 1/250 Sec and ISO 250.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson.
Camera: Sony A9 III, Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM at 150mm, F/2, 1/160 Sec and ISO 250.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson.
Camera: Sony A9 III, Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM at 150mm, F/2, 1/200 Sec and ISO 250.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson.
Camera: Sony A9 III, Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM at 150mm, F/2, 1/160 Sec and ISO 500.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson.
Camera: Sony A9 III, Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM at 150mm, F/2.8, 1/160 Sec and ISO 800.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson.
Camera: Sony A9 III, Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM at 150mm, F/4.0, 1/160 Sec and ISO 1600.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson.
Camera: Sony A9 III, Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM at 150mm, F/5.6, 1/160 Sec and ISO 3200.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson.
Camera: Sony A9 III, Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM at 150mm, F/8, 1/160 Sec and ISO 6400.
Image Credit: Angela Nicholson.
Camera: Sony A9 III, Lens: Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM at 150mm, F/22, 1/40 Sec and ISO 12800.
Early Verdict
The Sony FE 50-150mm F2.0 GM looks set to be an exciting option for photographers who want something a little different from the usual 70-200mm zoom. The unusual but versatile focal length, coupled with a bright f/2.0 aperture and fast focusing, should make it a strong candidate for a variety of professional and enthusiast photography genres. Its relatively light weight and internal zoom design further enhance its appeal for those who frequently shoot handheld or on the move.
When paired with the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM, the 50-150mm F2 GM offers a compelling kit for photographers who want the creative freedom of a fast aperture across a wide range of focal lengths without sacrificing image quality or build. For women photographers who value flexibility and quality without excessive bulk, this lens could be a particularly strong fit.
